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epiphyseal plate

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Alvah Stokes

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2y ago
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9y ago

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue in the body. It is made of cells called chondrocytes embedded in a matrix, strengthened with fibers of collagen and sometimes elastin, depending on the type. There are three different types: hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, andfibrocartilage. This tissue serves to provide structure and support to the body's other tissues without being as hard or rigid as bone. It can also provide a cushioning effect in joints.

This type of tissue is avascular, meaning that it is not supplied by blood vessels; instead, nutrients diffuse through the matrix. Cartilage is usually flexible, again depending on the type. Some of the bodily structures that include it are the ears, nose, ribcage, and intervertebral discs.

Hyaline cartilage makes up the majority of that found in the human body. It lines the bones in joints, helping them to articulate smoothly. This type contains mostly type II collagen fibers.

Elastic cartilage is more flexible than the other types because of the elastin fibers it contains. It is found in the outer ear, the larynx, and the Eustachian tubes, for example. This type provides the perfect balance of structure and flexibility and helps keep tubular structures open.


"Cartilage basically consists of two components: water and a framework of structural macromolecules (matrix) that give the tissue its form and function. The matrix is highly organized and composed of collagens, proteoglycans and noncollagenous proteins."

Found on:
http://www.cartilage.org/index.php?pid=22

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9y ago

Cartilage is made of cells that are tightly packed together.
Cartilage is essentially a type of soft bone. Therefore, it is comprised mainly of collagen fibres

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14y ago

connective

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Q: What is cartilage made of?
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